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McAllister pleased with his first rehab outing

By
Mark EmeryMLB.com

CLEVELAND -- The first Minor League rehab outing is typically a big step in a player's recovery process.

On the 15-day disabled list since June 3, Indians right-hander Zach McAllister made his first rehab appearance on Saturday with Double-A Akron, where he threw 61 pitches over 3 1/3 innings. McAllister -- who has dealt with a right middle finger sprain -- was charged with four hits and two runs, while striking out five and walking one.

CLEVELAND -- The first Minor League rehab outing is typically a big step in a player's recovery process.

On the 15-day disabled list since June 3, Indians right-hander Zach McAllister made his first rehab appearance on Saturday with Double-A Akron, where he threw 61 pitches over 3 1/3 innings. McAllister -- who has dealt with a right middle finger sprain -- was charged with four hits and two runs, while striking out five and walking one.

"I was pleased with it. Finger felt fine," McAllister said on Sunday. "That was the most important thing. I felt my command for the most part was OK. Obviously, it's the first time facing hitters in a game situation. So, I had that adrenaline and [was] probably a little amped up a little bit. But I was happy with it."

McAllister did not throw any curveballs in the outing. That pitch has been the most problematic for McAllister's ailing finger, though he plans to implement breaking balls in a bullpen session and his next rehab appearance, scheduled for Thursday.

In 11 outings for the Tribe, McAllister is 4-5 with a 3.43 ERA. The righty has 45 strikeouts and 22 walks over 65 2/3 innings. Cleveland has been cautious with McAllister, but if everything continues to progress, he could pitch for the Tribe on July 23 in Seattle.

"I'm going to do all I can to perform and pitch well and make sure my finger feels good, and do what I can to get back here," McAllister said.